Published • loading... • Updated
Lorde Reveals First Record Deal Has Finally Ended After 17 Years
Lorde ends her contract signed at age 12 with Universal Music Group, embracing creative freedom as an independent artist while touring through 2026, including major festival headlining slots.
- On Wednesday , New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde announced via community voice memos to fans that she is now a fully independent artist after her Universal Music Group contract ended last year.
- Signed as a child, Lorde said a 12-year-old development deal pre-sold her creative output before she knew what she was signing away and she wanted a clean slate.
- With festival dates scheduled, Lorde will conclude her Ultrasound World Tour with a Los Angeles show on May 14 and headline Lollapalooza 2026.
- Industry outlets report that reps did not immediately respond, and Variety confirmed she is no longer on UMG, with Lorde suggesting she may sign another deal with Universal in the future.
- Beyond her contract, Lorde, New Zealand singer-songwriter, has all her LPs charted in the top five of the Billboard 200, and she said 'It was hard, it was scary' about her recent struggles.
Insights by Ground AI
21 Articles
21 Articles
Lorde Embraces ‘Clean Slate’ as Independent Artist: ‘I Needed to Take a Second’ After UMG Deal
"The truth is that a 12 year old girl pre-sold her creative output before she knew what it would be like, and before she knew what she was signing away," the artist shared in a voice message to fans
·Los Angeles, United States
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 40%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
